What Is Injection Molding?
Injection molding is the most cost-effective way to make a plastic part at scale. The injection molding process involves injecting molten plastic into a mold tool, and then ejecting the solidified part. This process quickly repeats hundreds or thousands of times, amortizing the cost of the mold tool and driving down the cost of each unit to a few dollars or less. Since the injection molding process uses the same mold tool for each part, it offers consistent quality across every part. Injection molding also has the highest variety of materials, colors, cosmetics, polishes, and surface textures when compared to CNC machining or even 3D printing.
Soch3d's custom plastic mold service is a service providing on-demand prototype and production molding. We are the best plastic molding company in the country, dealing with exclusive materials in the injection molding process. We take a customer-first approach to mold the parts the way you need them—without design compromises—at the right price point. We offer expert consultation on each injection mold quote and project managers on every order to move your parts from design to production. Our team has experience in every industry, especially EV, electronics, IoT & industry. First-time buyers receive special discounts on their first mold with Soch3d.
MATERIALS
Injection Molding Materials
Custom Plastic Injection Molding Materials
Rigid Plastic Materials:
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
High-strength general-purpose engineering plastic, used for many commercial products.ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)
A material very similar to ABS with higher resistance to fading and better suited for outdoor use.CA (cellulose acetate)
Typically used in eyeglasses and film, CA is a flexible clear material that can be used in food contact.HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio and chemical resistance. It is often used for fuel tanks, connector insulators, and food containers. HDPE is also used in outdoor equipment like playgrounds.LCP (liquid crystal polymer)
LCP has mechanics even at elevated temperatures as well as low dielectric constants. This material provides exceptional features for micromolding and thin walled components. LCP is popular for electrical connectors and interconnects as well as medical devices.LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
A flexible and tough material with lower density versus HDPE. LDPE does not react to acids, bases, or alcohols. Useful for trays, snap lids, and general-purpose containers.PA 6 (polyamide 6, nylon 6)
Offers increased mechanical strength, rigidity, good stability under heat, and/or chemical resistance.PA 6/6 (polyamide 6/6, nylon 6/6)
Offers increased mechanical strength, rigidity, good stability under heat, and/or chemical resistance.PARA (polyarylamide)
Often combined with infills such as glass or mineral fibers, PARA creates rigid parts with low creep and a slower rate of water absorption than nylon (PA). PARA is excellent for structural components in handheld and medical electronics.PBT (polybutylene terephthalate, Valox)
A common electronic insulator with a polyester base. Highly used in automotive as a longer-wear alternative to nylon.PBT-PET (polybutylene terephthalate-polyethylene terephthalate)
A compounded blend of PBT and PET.PC (polycarbonate)
A clear or colored, lightweight, glass-like plastic that is heavily used across multiple industries. PC is impact resistant, holds great feature detail, and can be used for safety equipment, lenses, electronic devices, and much more.PC-ABS (polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
The best of both PC and ABS. Higher-strength engineering thermoplastic with slightly more flexibility than standard polycarbonate.PC-PBT (polycarbonate-polybutylene terephthalate, Xenoy)
A tough and rigid material resistant to lubricants, solvents, and cleaning agents. Very common in electronic enclosures.PC-PET (polycarbonate-polyethylene terephthalate)
A blend of PC and PET provides tough and chemically resistant results and can be used as an alternate to PC-ABS. It endures harsh solvents and cleaners, making it excellent for sports equipment and healthcare applications.PCT (polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate)
A thermoplastic polyester that typically outperforms PET due to lower moisture absorption and better environmental stability. PCT is often used for connectors and switches.PE (polyethylene)
One of the most common plastics used in the world, PE has high ductility, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. PE is often described by its molecular weight, such as UHMW PE (ultra-high molecular weight), LDPE (low density), or HDPE (high density). PE is used in packaging, tubing, films, bottles, and more.PEEK (polyether ether ketone)
Offering excellent tensile strength that surpasses most plastics, PEEK is often used as a lightweight substitute for metal parts in high-temperature, high-stress applications. PEEK resists chemicals, wear, and moisture.PEI (polyetherimide, Ultem)
Known best for its extremely high heat and flame resistance, PEI is used for many medical applications and is more affordable than PEEK.PE-PP (polyethylene-polypropylene)
A resin blend of the polyolefin’s polypropylene and polyethylene.PE-PS (polyethylene-polystyrene)
A resin blend of the polyethylene and polystyrene.PES (polyethersulfone)
A rigid, transparent plastic that is chemically inert, biocompatible, and sterilizable. PES is suitable for food-contact devices such as coffee machine components as well as aerospace and automotive where chemical exposure is high.PET (polyethylene terephthalate, Rynite)
Also abbreviated PETE, this is a clear, strong, and lightweight PE resin heavily used in food packaging, soda bottles, jars, and more. The material is food-safe. PET is recyclable with a resin code of 1.PLA (polylactic acid)
A biodegradable and renewable plastic. PLA has a relatively low glass transition temperature and is common in short-use applications.PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic)
A clear glass-like plastic. Good wear and tear properties. Great for outdoor use.POM (acetal polyoxymethylene, Delrin)
Good moisture resistance, high wear-resistance, and low friction.PP (polypropylene)
Polypropylene has excellent electrical properties and little or no moisture absorption. It carries light loads for a long period in varying temperatures. It can be molded into parts requiring chemical or corrosion resistance.PPA (polyphthalamide)
A subset of nylons (polyamide) that typically exhibit a higher melting point and lower moisture absorption. PPA is typically used in automotive and industrial applications because it can withstand harsh chemicals. PPA is good for fuel and fluid manifolds and headlight housings.PPS (polyphenylene sulfide, Ryton)
A high-performance thermoplastic with extreme resistance to solvents.PS (polystyrene): A clear, hard, and brittle material widely used for food packaging, clamshell containers, and even disposable cutlery.PS-PPE (polystyrene-polyphenyl ethers, Noryl)
Exhibiting high heat and flame resistance, PPE-PS has high stiffness and tensile strength even at elevated temperatures.PSU (polysulfone, Udel)
A rigid, stiff, and transparent plastic which is a higher-performance alternative to polycarbonate.PVC (polyvinyl chloride (Shore D))
A rigid, general-use plastic that is common in plumbing, non-food packaging, and trimming.PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride, Kynar)
A chemically inert, high-temperature material. Due to its low friction, PVDF is used in plumbing parts, bearings, chemical handling, electrical wire insulation, and tubing.SAN (styrene acrylonitrile)
A polystyrene that is heat resistant and transparent. Due to its relationship with polystyrene, SAN is low cost and has enhanced clarity and shine. SAN is common in household goods, door handles, and kitchenware.TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
A flexible plastic with good chemical resistance but lower temperature resistance compared to PP.TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane (Shore D))
A tough, highly abrasion-resistant resin that bridges the gap between rubbers and plastics. TPUs can be formulated to be rigid or elastomeric. TPU exhibits a high flex before break and is ideal for wheels and door panels.
Elastomer and Rubber Molded Materials:
Manufacturing elastomeric parts can be accomplished through injection molding, transfer molding, or compression molding. When getting a quote through Xometry, our team can help you decide the best method depending on the part geometry, estimated annual volume, and the type of material required.
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (Viton))
One of the highest performing rubber elastomers with high heat resistance, chemical resistance, and moisture sealing properties. EPDM is commonly found in automotive seals, gaskets, O-rings, and electrical insulators.PEBA (polyether block amide)
A soft, flexible, plastic or elastomer used for medical devices such as catheters. PEBA foams are used for padding, shoe insoles, and sports equipment. PEBA is resistant to moisture and UV exposure.PVC (polyvinyl chloride (Shore A))
A soft rubber-like, general use elastomer, that is common in outdoor products, protective films, and mats. Shore A rubber-like PVC requires plasticizers to improve its flexibility from its typical rigid state. PVC is flame retardant due to self-extinguishing properties.TPE (thermoplastic elastomer)
A broad class of elastomers that behave like a thermoset with high flex and elasticity but process like a thermoplastic through molding. TPE is an umbrella term for many unique elastomer classes.TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane (Shore A))
A tough, highly abrasion-resistant elastomer that bridges the gap between rubbers and plastics. TPUs can be formulated to be rigid or elastomeric. TPU exhibits a high flex before break and is ideal for flexible tires, skateboard wheels, and weatherproof gaskets.TPV (thermoplastics elastomer, vulcanized rubber (Santoprene))
An excellent elastomer with high versatility due to temperature resistance, compression, and elasticity.LSR (liquid silicone rubber)
Silicones are versatile rubber materials offering food and biocompatibility, extreme heat resistance, and excellent flexibility. LSR is used for medical devices, automotive, aerospace, and consumer products.
Liquid silicone rubber molding is a specialized process different from traditional injection molding.Several injection molding, liquid silicone molding, and compression molding options are available for an online quote. If you do not see the material stock you are looking for, please choose “Other" under the material drop-down on your quote page and submit for an expert engineering review once you have specified features, tolerances, inspection needs, and quantities required.
CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Injection Molding Reviews
Monsoon Dibragade- Neukelp
Bangalore
5/5
Soch3D helped us develop Electronic Housing for our posture correction healthcare device. They understood our requirements well and delivered our products as we wanted. We are very happy with their service. We wish to work with them again.
VK Agarwal- MB Control Systems
Kolkata
4/5
MB Control Systems develops technology related to weather monitoring systems. Soch3D helped us Injection mould Electronic Housings for two of our products. They have a good team that ensured timely delivery of top-notch Derlin Injection Moulded parts despite the ongoing pandemic.
Arul Kayadev- Kayadev AI
Bangalore
5/5
The range of plastics and techniques that this company offers is great. We had our COVID-19 related product designed, prototyped and Injection Moulded from Soch3D and we love the output. They delivered good quality Polypropylene and ABS parts at the agreed time. We will definitely avail of their services soon. Keep up the good work team Soch3D
How does Injection Molding work?
One of the most important parts of the injection molding process is the injection molding machine.
Injection molding machine
The machine that is used for injection molding is divided into 2 units - an injection unit and a clamping unit.
Injection molding machine
The injection unit is one of the most crucial parts of the machine. It is responsible for melting the plastic substance by heat and injecting the melted substance into the tooling mold to give it the shape of the mold.
The clamping unit is responsible for opening and closing a die and the ejection of the products that have been completed.
Both these processes are coherent with each other and work in perfect harmony. Any difference in their frequency alters the entire process and articles are not made efficiently. Mould manufacturers are aware of this discrepancy and make sure they take every possible step to avoid that.
Materials used
Molding, by its process, is a technique that involves shaping a liquid or malleable raw material by using a mold, a fixed frame, or a matrix that was designed earlier. Plastic mold manufacturing usually entails a hollow cavity made of metal where the plastic or the mold material is poured. There are several kinds of materials that are used in plastic molding. These materials are:
Nylon (polyamide)
Acrylic
Polycarbonate
Polyoxymethylene
Polystyrene
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Polypropylene
Polyethylene
The materials used might differ in terms of the kind of injection molding. The 5 types of injection molding are:
Blow molding
Injection molding
Compression molding
Rotational molding
Extrusion moulding
Applications of injection molding
What is injection molding used for?
Injection molding is usually used in industries and spheres that produce the same parts in large volumes - ranging from thousands of parts to millions. Some of the typical products that are made with the help of injection molding are:
Plastic bottles: This is one of the most common articles that is usually made with injection molding. Bottles of multiple shapes and sizes can be made using this technique. The only change that is required is in the mold.
Electronic housings: Electronic housing parts are also usually fabricated by using injection molding services. They are used in devices such as remote controls, televisions, computers, medical equipment, and other consumer electronic components. Injection molding services are also used to custom-make any enclosures for appliances.
What are some of the advantages of using injection molding?
The principal advantage of injection molding comes with its ability to scale production. The investments have to be made for the machine and the molds in the initial stages of production. However, the injection price per mold is very low. This brings down costs in the long run as more and more parts get produced every hour.
Here are some other reasons why you might choose injection molding:
They produce low scrap rates - Compared to the traditional manufacturing methods that are used in this industry, injection molding produces limited waste.
Injection molding can produce items by the millions - One of the best parts of injection molding is that it can produce the same plastic item by the millions.
Relevance of injection molding in the electronics, medical, and IoT industry
Plastic injection molding and the process it uses have undergone tremendous research and development in recent years. With an immense focus on reducing waste and downtime, plastic injection molding has now become more efficient and more sustainable as a means of manufacturing in the electronics, medical, and the Internet of Things (IoT) industry. Industries have been using plastic injection molding for the past several years. They have been adopting the usage of such machines because they provide reliable and better products; qualities which are highly valuable in sensitive fields like medicine and technology. Increased globalization and the ever-increasing demand for low-cost products are expected to boost the development in plastic injection molding in the future.
The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc in the medical and technological fields of the country. Hence, with industry and factory shutdowns, the demand for low-cost goods in these areas has skyrocketed. Plastic injection molding seems to be the perfect way out. This is because the process can produce the same products by the millions in an amazingly short time. The upliftment of the economy in the long run can most definitely be spearheaded by the injection moulding industry producing hundreds of varieties of consumer goods as fast as possible. The resuscitation of the consumer market is a big responsibility and the injection molding industry, with its constant developments, is ready to take it up in stride.
